Lori Tyack has carved out a successful career in the legal and political fields. Her journey from the Columbus State campus to the Franklin County Municipal Court system may have been a short one distance-wise, but professionally the route was a bit longer.

Tyack attended Columbus State from 1981-83, earning an associate degree to prepare her for work as a legal assistant. Over the next 30 years, Tyack rose steadily through the political ranks to achieve her current position as Clerk of Courts.

"The classes offered at Columbus State prepared me to enter the workforce immediately after graduation," Tyack says. "I was trained on the most current computer systems and programs available, and I became comfortable in an environment that was constantly moving forward by leaps and bounds. This collegiate training process helped me adjust easily to the new technology in the work place."

"I was trained on the most current computer systems and programs available, and I became comfortable in an environment that was constantly moving forward by leaps and bounds."

Tyack began her career as a legal assistant/paralegal at several law offices and at the Ohio Consumer's Counsel. She also owned a small business, Secretary's Helper, which provided typing services "in the days before personal computers," she jokes. In addition, Tyack served as bailiff for Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Brunner.

Tyack's first job, found through Employment Services at Columbus State, initiated her interest in the court system. "The law office where I worked offered legal representation in criminal, domestic and civil cases," Tyack says. "And as my on-the-job experience grew, so did my appreciation for the criminal justice system."

Eventually she decided to combine her interests and seek public office. After a bid to become Franklin County Recorder and a run for the Ohio House of Representatives failed, Tyack was elected the Clerk of Courts in 2005. She was re-elected to the post in 2009.

Throughout her professional life, Tyack has contributed her expertise to many boards and organizations. County Commissioners nominated Tyack to serve on the Franklin County Criminal Justice and Community Corrections Planning Board, and she was president of the Ohio Association of Municipal and County Clerk's Association from 2010-12. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor also nominated Tyack to serve on the Task Force on Funding of Ohio Courts.

Tyack stays active with her alma mater and is back on campus often. She was the speaker for the 2012 Winter Quarter Commencement and is serving her second term on Columbus State's Paralegal Program Advisory Committee.